Sorrento, Italy

Cathedral Basilica

Perhaps the main attraction of Sorrento is the Cathedral. The main cross-shaped building of the cathedral was constructed in the 11th century, however over the course of its existence the shrine has undergone far more than one transformation. Today’s cathedral façade was built in the 18th-19th centuries and is a vivid example of the Neo-Gothic style. Inside, the cathedral is decorated with majolica, wood carvings, and frescoes created by Neapolitan masters. In the cathedral Duomo, the baptismal font is preserved, where Torquato Tasso was baptized in the mid-16th century. The bell tower of the Duomo cathedral, as well as the ancient ceramic clocks installed on it, deserve special attention. The famous bell tower preserves the memory of the Byzantine era.

Palazzo Veniero

Palazzo Veniero was built in the 13th century. Its style is unique-an unusual but very organic combination of late Byzantine and Arabic styles. Arched windows on each level are decorated with ornaments made of yellowish-gray tufa-a local volcanic rock. Over the following centuries, successive owners, as best they could, disfigured the beautiful building-adding balconies, disguising windows. And-abandoning it, reselling it to other tasteless nouveau riche. Meanwhile, the palazzo continued to deteriorate and fall into decline. Only in 2008 was the building carefully restored. The magnificent windows were reopened, the ugly balcony was removed, and the intricate design on the main façade was restored. No wonder that today Palazzo Veniero is again among the top ten attractions in Sorrento.

St. Francis Monastery

The Monastery of Saint Francis in Sorrento is a complex comprising a church and a monastery. The church was built in the 18th century and restored in 1926. Its white marble facade is in a Baroque style. The luxurious interior is adorned with antique frescoes, paintings, colorful stained-glass windows, and bronze sculptures. The monastery building, constructed in the 8th century, showcases a blend of several styles. Particularly noteworthy are the elegant arcaded galleries with two-sided porticoes, octagonal columns, a statue of Saint Francis, and the Sersale family coat of arms, which financed the restoration works. Franciscan monks still live in the monastery to this day. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful park with a terrace offering fantastic views.

City Park Villa Comunale

The Villa Comunale urban park, with the Church of Saint Francis located at its entrance, is also home to Sorrento’s botanical garden. Since Sorrento is a “city climbing up the hill,” there are plenty of places where you can enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Naples. The Villa Comunale Park is one of the best in this regard. Here, you can wander among rare and simply beautiful trees and flowers, meditate while sitting on a bench and watching passersby, and once again take in the magnificent panorama-from Vesuvius to Capri.

Piazza Tasso

Earlier, this square was called Largo del Castello (Largo del Castello) - because of the castle built by Ferdinand of Aragon in the 15th century. In 1843, the castle was demolished and the square began to be expanded. After expanding it, they erected a monument to the great fellow countryman - the 16th-century poet Torquato Tasso. And - they renamed it in his honor. Also, in Piazza Tasso you can see a statue of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of sailors and the city. Here, since 1834, the main hotel in Sorrento has been located, as well as the cradle of the entire local “dolce vita” - Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, with room rates starting from 400 euros per night. In addition, from Piazza Tasso you can enjoy captivating views of the Bay of Naples completely free of charge.

Meta di Sorrento Beach

The largest and most popular beach in the town is Meta di Sorrento, which consists of two beach areas-Marina di Alimuri, where you’ll find a sandy beach, and the pebbly beach called Spiaggia di Meta. Here you’ll find everything for a great vacation: clean water, volleyball courts, sun loungers, cafés with ice cream and juices, and changing cabins. From mid-June to mid-September, the beach gets very “overcrowded,” so it’s best to go there early in the morning. In Sorrento, the beaches of Jeranto, Marina di Cassano, and the beach of Funtanella are also very popular. If Meta gets packed, try to escape to them-you may get lucky and find it less crowded and less noisy.

Sorrento Waterfront

Sorrento is a city that the great Goethe, Byron, and Stendhal never tired of praising. It is the city’s waterfront in particular that truly inspired poets and writers. The magnificent view from the promenade terraces seems sure to help each of us become a painter. Many of the buildings here are equipped with special lifting devices that allow you to quickly descend to the bathing platforms. An evening stroll will take you to the older part of the waterfront, where charming restaurants serve traditional dishes of local fishermen.

Sorrento - a fairytale city

Sorrento - a city on a cliff. It feels as though you’re standing on a balcony, overlooking a breathtaking view. That’s where lies the resort’s main distinctive feature. Famous shady lemon groves of Sorrento, secluded coves, small beaches, picturesque nature... how nice it is to be in such an atmosphere! Sorrento is situated on a 50-meter terrace, steeply dropping down to the crystal-clear blue sea. Its unusual location gives the city its uniqueness, because it literally “faces the sea” like a balcony, from which you can enjoy a luxurious view of the Gulf of Naples and even see Vesuvius.

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